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Thoughts on Thoughtfulness: Marketing with Holiday Gifts

Posted on 10/17/2011

Trust us, it only feels too early to think about year-end gifts for your customer because the task can be a little tedious. But don’t kid yourself. The gifts themselves get a little tedious for your customer, too. Check out our ideas for mixing up this tried-and-true marketing strategy.

Beat ‘Em to the Punch
Approach holiday gift giving with a goal to standout. Focus on distinguishing yourself because every business with room in the budget uses holiday gifts to market their organization. If your Edible Arrangement arrives the same week as another’s fruit basket, your thoughtfulness makes less of an impact –even with daisy-shaped pineapple.

With a little hustle, your holiday marketing campaign will be working its magic before Saint Nick’s Day. Show your clients how thankful you are for them by sending a gift in time for Thanksgiving. This way, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness before their pile accumulates.

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems
Don’t fret if you’re short on cash—it doesn’t mean you have to scratch customer gifts this year. As in personal gift giving, effort counts as much as thoughtfulness. That’s why a minimal budget is no excuse to put all of your customers on the naughty list this year.

Instead of investing in large presents for your biggest clients, ask your printing company to create a custom greeting card for you. Include a handwritten note addressing an individual if possible. You’ll save time if you divvy up your list of customers among your colleagues. Depending on the size of your business, if each of you writes a gracious message on a few cards, the task will be off your to-do list in no time.

Don’t Be Clark Griswold. Be You.
Every Christmas, we cringe when we watch Clark Griswold’s boss tell him to put his present “with all the others.” Gifting nontraditional swag is another way to set your company apart. If you’ve got regional customers, do a little research on local haunts and send them a gift certificate. As long as it’s not to a run-of-the-mill restaurant, they’ll be impressed. Or, give the best gift of all. Show your company’s goodwill by contributing to a nonprofit on your customers’ behalf.